Despite the intensity of winter remaning high in parts of the country, mercury in Rajshahi seemingly rises as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is all set to visit it today.
She expected to inaugurate seven development projects during her daylong visit. The premier is also likely to open 18 other projects implemented by different other organizations besides laying foundation stones of six projects.
The prime minister will address a mass rally, which her party leaders hope will be something not-before-seen in the district.
Many see this as a major occasion to draw public attention before the next general polls likely to be held between late December and early January next. Many even consider this to be a polls camcaign in advance as the Election Commission will announce the election schedule in Novemver.
In November last, Hasina addressed such a mass rally in Jessore where she gave directions to the party men on how to work for the election. After that, her party -- the Awami League -- held its 22nd annual council, through which she reetained the president's post.
On her visit, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the rally will be the largest in history.
“All the preparations for the program have been completed. People of Rajshahi are ready to welcome the Prime Minister. Prime Minister will address the gathering about ‘Smart Bangladesh’ and ‘Vision 2041’, Quader also minister of Road Transport and Bridges said.
Rajshahi has changed in line with the changing trend of whole Bangladesh in last 14 years holding the hands of premier Sheikh Hasina, he remarked.
Many of the AL leaders and workers fixed large and medium size banners and posters on both sides of the roads towards the meeting venue welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
AL Presidium Member and Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said measures have been taken so that the public in general can hear the speech of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in and around three-kilometer areas in addition to the meeting venue.
Elaborating their preparations to make the meeting a grand success, he said adequate number of volunteers will remain engaged for security. "We are now in the final stage of preparations," he added.
Mayor Liton said the law enforcement agencies have taken tight security measures to make the public meeting a total success.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has imposed some restrictions to make the public meeting a success. RMP Commissioner Anisur Rahman told BSS that carrying, using, possessing and selling of all kinds of firearms, explosives and crackers have been banned from 6am of January 27 to 6am of January 30, 2023 in the city.
Drone flying without prior permission has also been banned during the same period.
As a whole, Rajshahi city has got a new look amid massive infrastructural development works and the modern road lighting has brought happiness to the city dwellers and other beneficiaries.
